Indonesian Transport Minister infected with nCoV
Indonesian Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi is being treated in intensive care after testing positive for nCoV.
State Secretary Pratikno announced in Jakarta on March 14 that Sumadi was being treated at a military hospital in the capital. A hospital spokesman said Sumadi had difficulty breathing but his condition was improving.
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Indonesian Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi (front) in Jakarta in October 2019. Photo:Reuters. |
Sumadi has been involved in the Covid-19 response, mainly evacuating Indonesians from affected areas. President Joko Widodo has urged other ministers to get tested.
Indonesia detected its first case of nCoV infection on March 2. The country has so far recorded 96 cases of nCoV, 5 deaths and 8 recoveries. Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan ordered the closure of schools and tourist attractions in the city such as Ragunan Zoo and Ancol Beach from next week. He emphasized that Jakarta is not under lockdown but called on people to raise awareness of disease prevention, avoid gatherings or contact with many people.
The Solo city government in Central Java also began closing schools and tourist attractions this weekend after a patient died in the area.
Many officials around the world have been infected with nCoV, including Iran's Vice President, Iran's Deputy Health Minister, Australia's Interior Minister. The wife of the Canadian Prime Minister and the wife of the Spanish Prime Minister have also tested positive for the virus.
Covid-19 has appeared in 152 countries and territories, infecting more than 156,000 people, killing more than 5,800 and recovering about 76,000.
